Shun violence, then talk: Orissa to Naxals

Even as spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravishankar virtually offered to act as a mediator in the proposed talks with Naxalites, the Orissa government on Tuesday said it was not possible unless the ultras give up path of violence.

"It is not possible to have discussion with them (Maoists) till they give up the path of violence," Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik told reporters in presence of the Art of Living guru.

Asked about the offer made by Ravishankar, Patnaik said he had discussion with the former the "good works" done in Bihar and Jharkhand. "But, as far as government is concerned, there is no scope for a talk with Naxals till they shun violence."

Earlier Ravishankar met Patnaik at his residence where both had a discussion for about 30 minutes. "We talked on how to bring peace and reduce violence. We also spoke on the development of the country," Ravishankar said.

"I am appealing to the Naxalites to shun the path of violence. We all together will look for social justice and development of the state," Ravishankar replied to a question on his role over the proposed talk with ultras.

Stating that he was always ready to bring any sort of peace negotiation anywhere in the world, the art of living guru said that they (ultras) should shun violence.